Ultimaker 2+ Bed issues

[dk-info 0]

I have been using this machine (on loan from a good friend) now for 6 months (I have run about 4kg of PLA).

 

Since I got it I have had to:

• re-solder the thermister on the bed (Bed temp error)
• re-flow the solder on the connector on the bed (Bed power cutting out)
• replace the bare wire to screw terminal connections with crimp on ferrule connectors to improve (bed/thermister connection errors)

 

All of these worked - and I was able to get back up printing but this morning I discovered the bed won't heat - after just last night completing a 36 hour print.

 

Before I look again for a root cause I have a few questions:

• Is there an updated bed replacement?
• Is there any reason why I can't replace the stiff bed power supply wires with a more supple silicone covered wire replacement of appropriate gage?
• Is there a better way to connect the thermister and power wiring to the bed to reduce strain on the cable harness (the apparent source of the majority of the bed issues)
• from the forum activity - this is a persistent problem - are the folks at Ultimaker considering a better design for this machine? - hence the question about an updated design.

 

I print a lot - and need a printer that will deliver on request - and not be on a voyage of discovery every time there is an error keeping me from printing. I don't want to be a printer expert - that is why I expected a lot from the Ultimaker - is this a misguided perception of the Ultimaker brand being of a robust design?

 

I can fix it - I can re-engineer the bed cable interface to mitigate future mechanical failures - I would like to know if this has been fixed - and how to get the updated bed.

[gr5 2,172]

This is fixed but I believe only in a newer model (Um3 or S5).  After the UM2+ there was the UM3, S5, then S3, then UM2+C and they are due for a new printer any time one would think.  There's no backward compatible "new print bed" that even comes close to fitting the UM2.  As far as I know. Y

 

For the $, the UM2 and UM2+ are quite reliable.  I also had to resolder the connector on my UM2 print bed.  But only once ever.  I also have 3 UM2go's but those don't normally come with bed heater so I have my own custom solution for those heaters so they don't count.

 

I have found that the UM2 is very reliable.  I have seen some amazingly well worn UM2 printers that have had 5 kilometers (kilometers!) of filament pass through them that still work just fine.

 

The teflon part also needs to be replaced often.  That is consider a "consumable" and Ultimaker graciously charges very little over cost for those.

 

It looks like you are in USA so I would contact support@fbrc8.com.  They have extremely qualified staff and can tell you if there is a newer connector or whatever.  Include your serial number in the email and they can see exactly what you got.  They assembled all the UM printers sole in USA so they built your printer.